Description
Discover the delicious flavors of a Mediterranean Olive Oil Dip. Try this easy recipe for a tasty appetizer today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (120ml) high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Herbs Begin by ensuring your dried herbs are fresh and aromatic—they should still have a pronounced fragrance when crushed between your fingers. If they seem lackluster, it might be time to replace them. Measure out your herbs, crushing the rosemary between your fingers to release more flavor, and combine them in a small bowl.
- Step 2: Warm The Olive Oil Pour your high-quality olive oil into a small saucepan. Over the lowest possible heat, gently warm the oil for about 2-3 minutes. You’re not looking to cook the oil—just warm it slightly to about body temperature. This gentle heat will help the herbs release their essential oils more effectively. Watch carefully and remove from heat as soon as the oil feels warm to the touch.
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients While the oil is still warm, add the minced garlic, your herb mixture, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. If using the optional ingredients, now is the time to add the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese as well. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the oil.
- Step 4: Rest And Develop Flavors Transfer your Mediterranean Olive Oil Dip to a shallow serving bowl, preferably one that’s slightly warmed to maintain the oil’s temperature. Cover with plastic wrap or a plate and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, though 2 hours will yield the best flavor development. This resting period is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Step 5: Serve Just before serving, give your dip a final stir to redistribute any settled ingredients. Serve alongside warm, crusty bread pieces that are substantial enough to hold up to dipping. For an authentic Mediterranean experience, tear rather than slice the bread to create textured edges that capture more of the flavorful oil.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg